Have you not tried to maneuver around the Rosedale Center? The place is a mess. How about during holiday time? Traffic frequently backs up the entire length of the freeway “off” ramps! It is so frustrating now, I can’t imagine it getting worse.

Portillo’s is a new, fun restaurant. They get crazy busy and will draw a lot of additional traffic. If I had a business in or near Rosedale Center, I would be very worried that a bigger traffic jam could cause my customers to seek other options.

Cheryl Nelson, Forest Lake

ICE CASTLE’S IMPACT

For a community that prides itself on its environmental awareness, and a newspaper that usually has no problem leading the charge for liberal causes, I find it fascinating that there has been no outrage (or even acknowledgement) of the environmental impact of the ice castle’s construction. According to your article on Page 1 Jan. 6 (“One block at a time”), it is “estimated that it would take 60 semitrailer loads to transport the blocks to St. Paul” from Spicer, a round trip of approximately 240 miles.

If your paper has a follow-up on the story, may I recommend some questions for Winter Carnival organizers, sponsors and city leaders: What is the carbon footprint of this ice castle and how is it justifiable?

Send letters to the editor or Sainted/Tainted entries to letters@pioneerpress.com or to 10 River Park Plaza #700, St. Paul MN 55107.

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